It is always easy to spot an avid golfer just by looking at their hands. One is usually darker and more sun damaged than the other depending on whether they are a righty or lefty. Even without questioning, you will instantly know which hand wears the traditional golf glove. For anyone who forgets to wear sunscreen on the golf, signs are everywhere on their skin. The back of their neck, the nose, the calves, and other parts of exposed skin are going to turn red.
Why Skin Cancer is an Issue for Golfers
Golfers are at a high risk of developing skin cancer. Some of the skin protection habits like applying sunscreen, wearing golf gloves, and protective clothing go a long way to reducing the risk. To give you a clear picture of this issue, here are some facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
- More people have been diagnosed with skin cancer over the past 31 years than all other cancers combined
- About 65% of melanoma cases are related to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun
- About 1 in 5 Americans are expected to develop skin cancer during their lifetime
- Men over the age of 40 get the highest exposure to UV radiation from the sun annually
- Melanoma is among the top three types of cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men
- The majority of people diagnosed with skin cancer are Caucasian men over the age of 50
How to Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure on the Golf Course
Any avid golfer will know that exposure to the sun while on the course is almost inevitable. Even on cloudy days, you will likely get exposed to the sun at some point. However, consistent protection is needed to prevent skin cancer and keep your skin healthy for longer.
The simple rule of thumb is to use sunblock anytime you are playing. Make sure you apply sunscreen whenever you are at the golf course. Go with at least SPF 30, with a broad-spectrum specification to ensure you are getting UVA and UVB protection. It may also be helpful to schedule an early or late tee time to avoid the chronic sun that usually shines between 10 and 4. Also, look for shade from the trees and other structures to give your skin a break from dangerous UV rays.
Importance of Sunscreen to Golfers
Nothing beats playing a round of gold in the hot, glorious sunshine. However, it usually comes with a cost. Away goes the waterproof jacket and sweater and comes the polo shirt and shorts. That means that more skin will be exposed to the sun for an extended period while you are on the golf course.
On average, golfers spend four hours or more to play 18 holes. While this can sound easy and a fun thing to do, it is a lot of sun exposure. Statistically, about one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime from chronic sun exposure. With outdoor sports being a major contributing factor, it is important to protect your skin and face from the sun’s harmful rays whenever you are out on the course.
How to Effectively Use Sunscreen on the Golf Course
Wearing golf gloves plays an important role in enhancing your experience at the course. Not only do you get a firm grip, but cool golf gloves also ensure that the other hand is protected from extreme sun exposure. However, you may still get occasional sun exposure to the uncovered skin on the hands and other parts of the body. Here are a few tips to help you utilize sunscreen properly:
- Apply 30 minutes before the round: Allow the skin to fully absorb the sunscreen for best protection results.
- Focus on Exposed Areas: While on the course, sun exposure will usually come from different directions as you move around. Apply sunscreen to your arms, legs, neck, face, and ears. Remember to also apply on easily forgotten areas like the tips of the ears and the nostrils.
- Reapply at Every Turn: You will likely spend 3 – 5 hours on the course, and the sunscreen may wipe away during peak sun exposure time. Reapply the sunscreen with lotion or spray when you are grabbing a drink or snack.
- Keep a Tube in the Golf Bag: Just like the golf gloves, the best sunscreen is the one you have with you. Keeping a tube in the golf bag makes it easily accessible anytime you need to reapply.
- Moisturize Afterwards: Spending a full day in the sun will leave your skin dry. Use an After Sun Lotion or Aloe Vera Gel to keep the skin hydrated after your round.
Added Sun Protection with Golf Gloves
When you visit a dermatologist as a golfer, they will first check your hands for signs of skin cancer. It is common for players who do not wear golf gloves to be diagnosed with skin cancer on their hands and undergo removal or lesions. While you may not find a reason to wear golf gloves on both hands, it is one of the most effective sun protection methods when you are on the course.
Usually, golfers do not think twice about wearing golf gloves in cold and rainy seasons. The main reason why most golfers do not wear two golf gloves is that they find it harder to grab things from pockets like ball marks and tees. No one really avoids wearing golf gloves because they will harm them by interfering with a golf swing. If anything, cool golf gloves will do you more good than harm. When you wear gloves on both hands, it helps keep them dry, prevents blisters, and protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
Additional Sun Protection Tips for Golfers
- Wear cool golf gloves on a non-golf-gloved hand to protect your it from chronic sun exposure.
- Apply sunscreen correctly on the face, neck, ears, and arms or any other part of the body that is exposed. This will augment photoprotection on your skin.
- Wear a Brim Hat. This will shade the ears and back of the neck, offering an additional layer of protection. Remember that sunscreen is just a screen that may break down the longer you stay outdoors. You may also sweat it off or wipe it off unintentionally.
- Wear loose and long-sleeved shirts, preferably with high collars for sun protection. Loose shirts allow air to get in, cooling your skin.